2015 – Press Clip Archive

DALLAS/FORT WORTH Roughing it doesn’t have to be rough. The rustic cabins of yesterday, used by hunters and fishers everywhere, no longer need to rot in the wild’s harsh elements.

At least that’s what Superior Concrete Products owner and CEO Todd Sternfeld is trying to prove. On his property in Cleburne, which also houses his concrete plant, Sternfeld has built a 600-sf “ranchette.” The fully functional living space, complete with two bedrooms, one bathroom, living space, kitchen and patio, are mostly made out of his precast concrete products.

More “city-fied” than cinderblock, the precast concrete “brick,” “wood,” “stone” and interior finishes trick the eye as well as the elements – the sustainability of the product makes it hard to blow this house down. Plus, the ranchette’s high style just might turn campers into “glampers.”

“The house structure, columns supporting the porch, railing and the patio area are my product, and we used some on the inside as well,” Sternfeld says. “I tried to use the product as much as I could, and it’s been fun to use the product for other applications.”

Three years ago, Sternfeld built three units on the property with this in mind but only recently had time to fulfill his vision. Having already used his Euless factory as a sort of guinea pig for various precast concrete applications, he was eager to experiment on his Cleburne property, especially with the Chisolm Trail opening nearby.

“I actually submitted it as a creative project in a contest for the National Precast Concrete Association,” he says. “We used the precast product in so many different ways that I thought it would be worth the time. I’m curious to see what happens.”
Want an invitation? Well, as welcoming as the space is, Sternfeld says invites are hard to come by.

”I’ll have to think about that,” he laughs. “I have thought about doing free pony rides out there for the little kids just as a way of giving back; since there is a corral and horses out there, I thought that might be fun.”

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Superior Concrete Products is a full-service manufacturing and construction company that provides a complete range of NPCA-certified precast concrete building systems. –mjm

Superior Ballistics doubles the strength of Superior Concrete Products’ (SCP) solid barrier and fence panels, making them impervious to close-range fire from high-caliber ammunition. It is a product enhancement that strengthens and reinforces fencing for use at electric and gas utility substations, local government facilities and other security-minded public agencies.

The product is made of reinforced precast concrete. It protects vulnerable equipment, infrastructure projects and personnel from sniper bullets.

“With recent attacks on electrical substations in California and Arizona, protecting the nation’s power grid is a top priority for utility executives and government officials,” says Todd Sternfeld, founder and president of Superior Concrete Products. “And, at SCP, we recognized that the time had come to develop a new type of security fencing – one that fit seamlessly into the environment, yet engineered and designed to withstand the force of close-range fire arms without looking like a military bunker.”

The Superior Ballistics membrane hardens the precast concrete panels, making for a heavier, more bullet-resistant fence. Choose from custom finishes that take on the appearance of ledgestone, brick, or the deep wood-grain look of board-on-board or other traditional type of fencing textures.

The company’s ballistics-enhanced panel looks similar to the firm’s line of Superior Brick, Superior Cobblestone, Superior Stucco, or other solid fencing and barrier products.

Prior to launching Superior Ballistics, SCP subjected the new barrier to testing at a U.S.-based independent laboratory. Standing 30 feet from the test sample, an experienced testing technician fired a .308 Winchester caliber round from a high-powered rifle directly into a section of the reinforced Superior Fence panel. While the fence sustained damage, the bullet was unable to punch a hole through the fence — even at close range.

The product provides an affordable and safe option that can help utilities comply with the mandates issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, adds Sternfeld. “Utility companies across the country have chosen Superior Concrete Products to protect and screen electrical transformers because of the product’s strength, affordability and low-maintenance design.” The product can be customized to the exact size, color and texture needed by the customer.

The love for horses started early for Todd Sternfeld, owner and CEO of Superior Concrete Products. A cowboy at heart, Sternfeld spent his childhood watching vintage TV classics such as The Lone Ranger, The Roy Rogers Show, and Bonanza. To mimic his early heroes, Todd began riding horses at a young age, and when he started his own business, it wasn’t surprising that he moved to the state where the West begins—Texas. With roots in the landscaping business, Sternfeld ventured into an area of construction that those early cowboys and ranchers didn’t take kindly to—fencing. But sentiments have changed since wars were fought over fencing the plains, and fences have since evolved from old-fashioned wood, metal, and masonry. Today, Sternfeld believes good fences make good neighbors, and anyone in the farm, equestrian, or ranching business agrees.

A sturdy fence is essential for anyone that owns acreage, especially if they raise horses and livestock. In fact, the best, most sturdy, attractive, and long-lasting fence is made of a surprising and time-tested material—concrete. Where wood, masonry, galvanized wire, iron or vinyl rots, rusts, or breaks down over time, concrete endures anything that the elements, man, or beast can dish out.

“MOST PEOPLE DON’T BELIEVE IT IS CONCRETE UNTIL THEY REACH OUT AND TOUCH THE FENCE.”

BOTH STRONG AND BEAUTIFUL

“All of Superior Concrete’s products are as strong as they are beautiful, regardless of whether they are solid panel fences that look like cedar board-on-board, brick, stone, or the rail fence that is popular with ranchers,” said Sternfeld. “Horse and ranch owners envy our rail fences because with concrete, the look and feel of wooden rails and posts can be duplicated while eliminating all of the maintenance problems associated with timber or other traditional fence products. In fact, most people don’t believe it is concrete until they reach out and touch the fence.”

MORE THAN FENCING

Precast concrete can be used for more than fencing. Its energy-efficient characteristics make it a natural insulator, which is an ideal building product for homes, stables, barns, and other structures. It can be designed in an endless array of sizes, shapes, and finishes to meet the needs of home, residential developers, businesses, and ranch owners. Customization is key—concrete buildings can be luxurious or rugged, depending on the preferences of the owner.

There are worries about termites, rot, rust, fire, or other problems associated with conventional building materials. A concrete structure is unbeatable for strength and durability — whether it be a fence or house, it is designed to last a lifetime or longer.

To showcase the versatility of his products, Sternfeld is putting the finishing touches on a rustic ranch house in Texas. At just over 600 square-feet, the concrete ranch house has all of the design features of a larger home or cabin.

CONCRETE WAYS OF GIVING BACK

In the 30 years since moving to Texas, Sternfeld’s successful business enables him to help others. With a soft spot for those with special needs, Todd is chairman of the Victory Therapy Center, a Texas-based non-profit that provides equine therapy for children and adults with health and emotional challenges. He is also putting the final touches on an animal shelter for Diamond Ranch Academy in honor of his daughter, Sydney.

Sydney’s Shelter—a large concrete building — will protect those pets from the heat and cold of the southern Utah desert while giving students with special needs the opportunity to learn empathy skills by working with animals in the therapy program. Much like John Wayne in True Grit and the other heroes of those classic TV westerns, Sternfeld is one cowboy that wears a white hat when using his talent for building fences and other structures to help others, and make the world a better place. Today, his mission is to travel the world to prove that precast concrete is the superior building product for homes, businesses, farms and ranches.

EULESS, Texas – July 1, 2015 – Todd Sternfeld, CEO and owner of Superior Concrete Products (SCP), a North-Texas-based manufacturer of precast concrete fence and barrier products, has a soft heart. When his 18-year-old daughter Sydney mentioned the idea of starting an educational program at Diamond Ranch Academy to help homeless pets and small animals, Sternfeld promised to build a shelter and provide the precast concrete materials for the project.

“Diamond Ranch Academy has a wonderful program that pairs students with horses and other large animals,” said Sydney Sternfeld. “And, while I enjoy working with the barnyard animals, my own dog, a big yellow Labrador Retriever named Lucky, inspired me to serve others by caring for homeless pets. Starting this new educational program will give more students an opportunity to learn how to work with rescued pets and other small animals that had been living on the city streets.”

Don’t fence Todd Sternfeld in! The Superior Concrete Products owner thrives on busting through barriers in tried-and-untested areas, such as when he introduced – then sold – precast concrete fencing and paneling to a skeptical U.S. market.

Utility Products published an article on bullet-resistant precast concrete fencing which was created to protect critical utility substation equipment. According to the article which was written by Todd Sternfeld, CEO and owner of Superior Concrete Products, utility power generating substations have become terrorist targets in the United States and in other areas. Sternfeld, who has installed security fencing for a number of utility providers, developed the first line of bullet-resistant concrete fencing that repels bullets, yet is attractive enough to fit seamlessly into any environment.

For more information, click this link to: Utility Products to read the entire article.

Superior Concrete Products, a North-Texas-based manufacturer of precast concrete fence and barrier products, announces Superior Ballistics, an exclusive product enhancement that strengthens and reinforces fencing for use by electric and gas utility substations, business owners and other security-minded consumers. This new proprietary feature doubles the strength of Superior Concrete Products (SCP) solid barrier and fence panels, making them impervious to close-range fire from high-caliber ammunition.

“Today, security is an issue for many businesses, and protecting valuable equipment and personnel is a major concern — especially for utility companies,” said Todd Sternfeld, founder and president of Superior Concrete Products. “With recent attacks on electrical substations in California and Arizona, protecting the nation’s power grid is a top priority for utility executives and government officials. And SCP recognized that the time had come to develop a new type of security fencing – one that fit seamlessly into the environment, yet engineered and designed to withstand the force of close-range fire arms without looking like a military bunker.”

With custom finishes that take on the appearance of ledgestone, brick, or the deep wood-grain look of board-on-board or other traditional type of fencing textures, the Superior Ballistics membrane significantly reinforces and strengthens the precast concrete panels, making for a heavier, more bullet-resistant fence. Based on appearance alone, a ballistics-enhanced panel looks similar to the company’s line of attractive Superior Brick, Superior Cobblestone, Superior Stucco, or other solid fencing and barrier products. However, the proprietary process that SCP uses to encase the ballistic-resistant barrier within precast concrete makes the difference.

Prior to launching Superior Ballistics, SCP subjected the new barrier to rigorous testing at a U.S.-based independent laboratory. Standing a mere 30-feet from the test sample, an experienced testing facility fired a .308 Winchester caliber round from a high-powered rifle directly into a section of the reinforced Superior Fence panel. And, while the fence sustained damage, the bullet was unable to punch a hole through the fence – even at close range. In view of the sniper attacks on power generating equipment and other security threats, the Congressional Research Service (CRS), a think-tank for Congress, urged lawmakers to take action. In June 2014, the CRS recommended that regulations be put in force to require greater physical security around electrical substations. And, under a new rule adopted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, power companies nationwide must identify key installations that could may cause blackouts or power outages. These utilities must put defenses in place to safeguard these facilities by 2016. “Superior Concrete Products provides an affordable and safe option that can help utilities comply with the mandates issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,” noted Sternfeld. “Utility companies across the country have chosen Superior Concrete Products to protect and screen electrical transformers because of the product’s strength, affordability and low-maintenance design. As a leader in developing new products and cutting-edge innovative applications, Superior Concrete offers an attractive precast concrete fence that is bullet resistant and can be customized to the exact size, color and texture needed by the customer regardless whether the project is for an industrial installation or the residential market.”

In testing concurrent with the FERC rulemaking, a Superior Ballistics specimen exhibited performance consistent with UL 752 Standard for Bullet-Resisting Equipment. FERC measures require critical infrastructure site owners to evaluate whether existing perimeter protection is sufficient. Useful as a perimeter fence, chain link does not provide the level of protection mandated under the new federal guidelines.

On the heels of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) adoption last year, the Physical Security Reliability Standard could fuel demand for hundreds of thousands of lineal feet of precast fences, one of the past decade’s faster growing manufactured-concrete market segments.

The standard was issued by the FERC-aligned North American Electric Reliability Corp. A rule codifying it calls for power companies to a) identify substations and other vital infrastructure where damage from firearms and other terrorist or vandal tools could cause blackouts or power outages; and, b) safeguard such facilities by 2016. Possibly the tip of an iceberg ushering tighter rules and regulations for the electricity grid, the Physical Security Reliability Standard does not contain prescriptive construction measures. Preliminary safeguarding strategies, however, factor protective structure or components’ performance according to UL 752 Standard for

Bullet-Resisting Equipment.

Among precast producers working with infrastructure security-minded utilities ahead of FERC actions is Superior Concrete Products Inc. (SCP). The Euless, Texas, producer and design-build contractor has branded a new reinforcing feature, Superior Ballistics, doubling the strength of its fence and barrier panels, and making them impervious to close-range fire from high-caliber ammunition.

“Security is an issue for many businesses, and protecting valuable equipment and personnel a major concern, especially for utility companies,” says SCP President Todd Sternfeld, who founded the company in 1986. “With recent sniper attacks on electrical substations in California and Arizona, protecting the nation’s power grid is a top priority for utility executives and government officials. We recognized that the time had come to develop a new type of security fencing, one that fit seamlessly into the environment without looking like a military bunker.”

“In the past, chain link was widely used as perimeter fencing by many utility companies. However, chain link is easy to climb and provides no protection from vandals or terrorists who can shoot straight through the fence,” notes Sternfeld. “With a solid barrier of ballistics-reinforced precast concrete, critical power-generating equipment is protected.” Even before the FERC rulemaking was completed, he adds, utilities across the country had approved the company’s fence and barrier solutions to protect and screen electrical transformers—all recognizing precast products’ strength, afford ability and low-maintenance design.

Superior Ballistics positions SCP with an attractive, bullet-resistant precast concrete fence that can be customized to the exact size, color and texture needed for a security installation. The producer is offering the robust feature in solid fencing and barrier products matching or mimicking its Superior Brick, Superior Cobblestone and Superior Stucco lines. SCP ships to domestic and international markets, while also licensing technology and molds around the world. Certain domestic projects are turnkey, with SCP engineering, fabricating and installing fence systems.

Don’t fence Todd Sternfeld in! The Superior Concrete Products owner thrives on busting through barrier in tried-and-untested arenas, such as when he introduced – then sold – precast concrete fencing and paneling to a skeptical U.S. market.

Where you the type of kid that liked to build and construct thing and solve problems?

“I always enjoy drafting and building things.

On of my grandfathers owned apartments, and he would take me around show me the buildings and people moving in and out. My other grandfather was in the tool business, and he went out and sold tools to farmers and different businesses. My dad was a sales manager in the clothing business who traveled a lot, so traveling has never been and issue for me. I was born in Las Angeles and fortunate to grow up around my family who were very, very hard workers and who had a lot of influence on me. They instilled that in me.

I was more interested in building things and doing things s opposed to academical.

I enjoyed being outdoors. I was 16 when I went into the landscaping business. I use to work with a friend of mine in the summertime. I was 19 when I went into the precast business. We had met some people who were trying to bring over the precast concrete post and panel concrete fencing from another country.

My dad, Earl like to tell the story that when I was 19, he told me that he was going to invest a little money in my business since I wasn’t going to college. To this day, he still gets to reap the rewards of that subsidy!”

Explain how you started this business.

“I started the business in Los Angels in 1981. In the beginning I was just kind of on an adventure and this was all new to me. A tremendous amount of learning took place over time because this is such a unique concept; there’s a huge block wall market in Southern California and, of course, as I get more involved with business we realized there are certain segments of the country where it was predominantly block walls or predominately brick. It was to the point that I was pioneering something completely foreign to poeple, and had to overcome [people’s doubt.]”
What do you mean?

“People in the construction industry had been putting up block walls their entire career and all of a sudden I was asking them to put up something they didn’t know, that had no credibility.

I got it off the ground in ’81, ’82 and then in ’83 we decided we would go to International Home Builders Show in Houston to market the product and see the reaction from builders. That was the first time I visited Texas and people were just blown away by the product. Brick fences are used so much here and of course our product was going to be so much less expensive. They don’t put block walls up in Texas!

Over the years, I’ve learned every area of the United States has its own architectural standards. We decided we needed to come up with a better design that would fit different areas and markets of the country.”
How did you go about doing that?

“We decided to franchise or license the concept in Texas and couldn’t get anyone to run with it. In ’84 the S&L crisis hit. The late ’80’s was a really difficult time in Texas.

Lo and behold, right before the savings and loan crisis hit, I decided to move to Texas because we couldn’t find anyone to get involved with it.

I sold a job in Irving for a customer I met at one of the shows. That go me over here, and we set up a small shift operation on a Redi-Mix plant. We started marketing the product to cities, because I found out there was a lot of cities that had requirements for a masonry wall that between commercial and residential zones and around subdivisions.

I started calling on the developers like we did in California and then we brought more products lines out. People out here want the brick look so we came up with a custom brick design, the rail fencing and then the stone pattern.”
It sounds like things were moving along nicely.

“In ’96 I bought the Texas company from my partner and I started to re-brand the product and develop some new product to add to the existing one that we had.

Then I went to the manufacturing plant I established in Cleburne. Being here in Texas has allowed us the ability to continue to market the product nationally and internationally.

Two developed into nine product lines over the last 32 years and I continue developing new products.

It’s exciting to come out with and how people see our new products and the fact that we’re an established company gives it credibility.”

Do you have plans to grow the business?

“I would like to expand the business further. At one time, I was considering looking at another facility in central California, because California is still a very big market; it’s an agricultural area, but its expensive to do business there. I want to get involved with other people who can help me grow the company further. I realize I’m only one persona and can only do so much.”
What is the secret to the longevity of your business?

“We’ve weathered the difficult time with the economy but the thing that kept us in business and has kept our company moving is that we make the product and install it as opposed to just making the product and selling it to distributors or contractors. We’re very customer service oriented so we try to meet what the customer wants.

Also, I have about 45 employees in the Euless plant and Cleburne office. I have people who have worked for me for more than 25 years, and they’re all really good solid people.

I think it’s important to keep the employees engaged in what is going on with the company. I recently remodeled the Euless office and basically retrofitted the whole office using our product and the last office I did was mine. I felt it was important to make sure that I got everybody else taken care of first. I try to treat my employees the way I would want to be treated.

I try to treat people with Texas hospitality with a California twist.”
How do you like to spend your time away from work?

“I like to golf. I was always athletic, I played baseball in high school and junior college before I got involved with the business. My dad was athletic; he used to coach us when we were younger and he got us involved in golf.

When I was younger I would drive the golf arts for him, and on Sunday mornings I looked forward to spending that time with him.

I’m a member of the Timarron Country Club and that’s been good for a variety of reason – good for business, good for relationships and good for the family. I kind of look at it as my playground.”
Your dad is still reaping the benefits of his initial investment; has he ever worked with you?

“My dad worked for me for a while in California. When I broke off with the guy I was in business with in 1996, my dad was retired and it gave him something to do. It was good for him.

It was interesting because he gave me money for the business but had not been involved until 16 years later, and all of a sudden I’m training my dad.

He wasn’t technically savvy and didn’t know a lot about construction so I kind of had to coach him along. He really enjoyed it though; he liked going to trade shows and talking to the people. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been in good health and hasn’t been working.”
Is he proud of all you have accomplished?

“Recently, I took my mom and dad out to the plant and it had been 15 years since my mom had sen it; she didn’t really remember what it was all about.

She cried and was really happy to see what I’ve done. She said, ‘I can’t believe you’ve build such a good business!’ It’s nice that they’re still alive to b able to see it and the progress I’ve made.

I’m very lucky because I enjoy what I do. I don’ mind working where I work at. I enjoy the people I work with and I’m always making progress. It’s turned out to be a very nice, successful business.”